How to Get a California Insurance Adjuster License
Last updated September 27, 2026
A California Insurance Adjuster license needs no prelicensing course. You need two years of certified adjusting experience (4,000 compensated hours), a passing score on the 100-question CDI exam (70% to pass), a $2,000 bond unless you adjust solely for a bonded licensee, fingerprints and the license fee. The license runs two years and renews with 24 hours of CE, including 3 hours of ethics.
| CDI exam | Questions | Time | To pass | Exam prep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance Adjuster | 100 | 2.5 hours | 70% | View course |
| Public Insurance Adjuster | 100 | 2.5 hours | 70% | Not offered |
Times are the limits on CDI's examinations page. PSI's Candidate Information Bulletin (February 13, 2025) allots a little more (for example 98 minutes for Property, 105 for Life) because up to ten unscored questions are added to each exam.
The steps
- 1
Get two years of adjusting experience
CDI requires two years of certified experience in the adjusting field, 4,000 hours of compensated time.
- 2
Pass the CDI Insurance Adjuster exam
100 questions, 2.5 hours, 70% to pass. PSI delivers it. CDI's Insurance Adjuster (Independent) Examination Objectives list what it covers.
- 3
Arrange the bond
File a $2,000 surety bond (form LIC 31A-14) from a California-admitted surety, unless you will adjust solely for a licensed adjuster or entity that has already filed one.
- 4
Apply and submit fingerprints
Apply through Sircon, NIPR or form LIC 041-A. CDI's fee schedule lists a $311 license fee.
- 5
Renew every two years
Complete 24 hours of continuing education each term, including 3 hours of ethics.
Free practice exam
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Built to CDI's Insurance Adjuster (Independent) Examination Objectives, all 13 areas, weighted the way the exam is, with 100-question practice finals. $49.99.
View the courseFrequently asked questions
Does California require a prelicensing course for an insurance adjuster license?
No. California has no prelicensing education requirement for the Insurance Adjuster license. You need two years of certified adjusting experience, a passing score on the CDI exam, a bond in most cases and the license fee. Public insurance adjusters are different and need a 20-hour course.
How much experience do you need for a California adjuster license?
Two years of certified experience in the adjusting field, which CDI defines as 4,000 hours of compensated time.
How many questions are on the California insurance adjuster exam?
100 questions in 2.5 hours. You need 70% to pass.
What is on the California insurance adjuster exam?
Automobile insurance 16%, homeowners 16%, commercial policies 16%, training and certification (the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations and the post-disaster claims laws) 12%, insurance regulation 9%, insurance basics 8%, dwelling coverage 6%, the businessowners policy 5%, and workers compensation, ocean marine, surety and fidelity, other coverages and pet insurance at 2 to 3% each.
How much does a California adjuster license cost?
CDI's fee schedule lists a $311 license fee for a two-year term and a $79 exam fee ($32 to retake). Fingerprinting and the bond premium are separate.
Does a California insurance adjuster need a bond?
Yes, a $2,000 surety bond from a California-admitted surety, unless you adjust claims solely for a licensed adjuster or entity that has already filed a bond.
How much continuing education does a California adjuster need?
24 hours in each two-year license term, including 3 hours of ethics (California Insurance Code section 14090.1).
Can an out-of-state adjuster work California claims after a disaster?
Yes, through emergency registration under California Insurance Code section 14022.5 when the Commissioner declares an emergency. The registration must be filed within 15 days and is valid for 180 days.
What is the difference between an insurance adjuster and a public adjuster in California?
An insurance adjuster works for insurers or independent adjusting firms. A public insurance adjuster is hired by the policyholder, holds a separate license, needs 20 hours of prelicensing education, a $20,000 bond and two years of experience or a 12-month apprenticeship.
Related: how to become a California public adjuster and California producer licensing.
Sources
- CDI: exam times, number of questions and passing scores
- CDI: producer licensing fees (effective March 3, 2019)
- CDI notice: AB 943 repeals the 20-hour prelicensing requirement (Nov. 10, 2025)
- CDI: 12 hours of ethics and California Insurance Code FAQ
- CDI: license examination objectives (all lines)
- PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for California insurance license examinees (Feb. 13, 2025)
- CDI: form LIC 446-8, prelicensing program requirements (Dec. 24, 2025)
- CDI: Insurance Adjuster licensing information
- Cal. Ins. Code section 14090.1 (adjuster continuing education)
- Cal. Ins. Code section 14022.5 (emergency adjuster registration)
Last updated September 27, 2026. Checked against the California Department of Insurance pages listed above. Confirm current requirements at insurance.ca.gov before you apply. Elite Training Academy is not a California Department of Insurance approved education provider; our California courses are exam preparation and do not satisfy the 12-hour Ethics and California Insurance Code requirement.